Must See Sights and Landmarks in Miami River Area

"Located just off South Dixie Highway in Homestead, the Coral Castle Museum is a unique outdoor attraction that was built by a local man entirely from local limestone. It’s still a mystery how he moved and manipulated the massive limestone blocks used in the castle’s construction; some have suggested he may have had extraterrestrial help. Though the verdict is still out on that claim, there’s no doubt that it’s a popular attraction with children and adults alike, and it’s one of those one-of-a-kind Florida attractions that you won’t see elsewhere."

"No one’s figured out how one diminutive mason managed to move the huge stones for this sculpture garden dedicated to his lost love."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"3485 Main Hwy This historic Florida State Park is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and spans about 5 acres. Dade County’s oldest home resides on this five-acre site that overlooks the scenic Biscayne Bay. It was built by Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe in 1891."

"Located in the neighbourhood of Miami on the Main Highway in Coconut Grove, Plymouth Congregational Church was built in 1917 and is one of the ancient churches in the city. Plymouth Congregational Church is architecture in mission revival style with inspiration from old city church in Mexico and is a part of the US National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The church is well known as a pretty wedding venue among locals."

"A mere 21 years after Miami was officially incorporated as a city, the mission-style "coral rock" building of the Plymouth Congregational Church was constructed in Miami's oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove."

"Take I-95 south and grab the Rickenbacker Causeway until you hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This beautiful state park is right at the end of Key Biscayne and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean—a perfect sunset watching spot. The state park has a lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top and look out into the ocean and the beach below. Next to it is a cement lookout spot that serves as a bench to watch the sunset and enjoy your Zak the Baker treats (if you didn't eat them already on the car ride down)."

"Or you can experience the pulse of a multi-dimensional metropolis, exploring 1930s to 1950s Art Deco glamour in South Beach and Mid-Beach, big city sophistication in Downtown, avant-garde art installations in Wynwood, shopping in the Design District, and a melting pot of Latin heritage in Little Havana. Given short driving distances between these eclectic neighborhoods, it’s possible to explore Miami’s multiple identities in a weekend without feeling rushed."

"After seeing your fill of water views and tropical plants, make your way to Calle Ocho, in the heart of Little Havana. Stop by Versailles, a favorite Cuban restaurant, for a syrupy Cuban coffee, a guava-filled pastelito, or, if you’re already hungry, a meaty Cuban sandwich. Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir."

"Put some miles on your car; Little Havana calls. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is another world, and you’ll know it immediately by the language of the street signs. Salsa music pours out from storefronts onto the streets. The scent of fresh guava pastries is never far."

"Hop aboard for a fun 90-minute sightseeing cruise that takes you past waterfront mansions, Port Miami, Fisher Island and other highlights. See captivating views of the Miami skyline while enjoying beverages and light snacks."

"Formerly known as the American Airlines Arena, the FTX Arena is home to the Miami Heat basketball team as well as serving as a venue for various shows and events. With almost 20,000 seats, this is a popular and fun spot to watch an NBA game while in Miami. Located along Biscayne Bay with easy access thanks to public transportation, everyone in the family will enjoy a visit to this famous spot."

"The 3,400 square-foot oceanfront basketball arena is the home court of the NBA’s Miami Heat. The 19,00 capacity arena has been awarded the Leed Green Building certification for being an energy-efficient building. When there isn’t an exciting basketball game, the American Airlines Arena hosts more than 80 music and other events, including WWE Smackdown."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."

"Started in 1985, Whip ‘N Dip ranks as a long-time staple among the best Miami ice cream shops. Using locally sourced ingredients from partner suppliers, they make new flavors daily. Some must-trys include banana nut chip, heath bar brownie and chocolate-covered almond."

"This family owned ice cream shop is just off Sunset and has the best ice cream in Miami. Bold statement, I know, but I speak the truth. And, they don’t just stop at ice cream, their cookie cups happen to be the greatest of all time."

"A South Dade mainstay, this ever-popular ice cream stand has been serving homemade ice cream, cookies, and other sweets to the crowds for close to 30 years. Order online for in-store pick up."

"South BeachWhat you're getting: Mint Chocolate CookieNot only does this fudge cookie with bright green mint chips in it recreate your favorite flavor of ice cream in a cookie, you can actually get ice cream between two of them, and have it delivered to your house until 3am."

"South BeachWhat you're getting: Mint Chocolate CookieNot only does this fudge cookie with bright green mint chips in it recreate your favorite flavor of ice cream in a cookie, you can actually get ice cream between two of them, and have it delivered to your house until 3am."

"Family owned and operated, Five Guys is one of the leading fast casual burger restaurants in the world, offering a classic take on burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes and more. Our business started in 1986 with a fanatical focus on quality ingredients, clean restaurants and exceptional customer ..."

"This Five Guys location is always packed but the staff knows how to successfully run the store. They consistently clean and the burgers are always…"

"Restaurants Vietnamese Little River. The classic Vietnamese sandwich is executed to perfection at Tran An, but you won’t get charged extra for the gourmet quality. At $9, it’s a pretty massive sandwich stuffed with two kinds of house-made pork (pork roll and roasted), pâté, maggi butter, cucumbers and pickled slaw."

"Soup, and pho in particular, is almost indistinguishable in its delivery format from when you eat it in the restaurant. And though you may not have hit up this Vietnamese stand at Politan row, now’s the time to try it with a hot bowl of steaming chicken pho, and maybe some shrimp chips to throw in there.Cost: $15; order online or through DoorDash"